DOJ junks Deniece's rape complaint vs Vhong

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday dismissed model Deniece Cornejo's rape charges against actor Vhong Navarro for lack of probable cause.

In a 42-page resolution, Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas, chief of the panel of prosecutors, also approved the indictment of Cornejo, businessman Cedric Lee and their six companions for serious illegal detention, serious physical injury and grave coercion. Serious illegal detention is a non-bailable offense.

Recommended for prosecution were Cornejo, Lee, Bernice Lee, Ferdinand Guerrero, Zimmer Rance, Jose Paulo Gregorio Calma, Ferdinand Guerrero at Jed Fernandez.

Lee and companions assaulted Navarro in Cornejo's condominium unit in Taguig last January 22 purportedly to rescue Cornejo.

Cornejo had claimed that Navarro was attempting to abuse her when Lee tied the television host to a chair and beat him up. Navarro also admitted to a footage taken by Lee that he raped the commercial model.

Navarro was hospitalized after the incident, maintaining that he was "set up" for the crime and forced to admit it on video.

Related: Lee, Cornejo charged for 6 offenses in Vhong attack